About Marie

Every day I am reminded of the strength, talent and altruism of British Jews. I grew up in Redbridge in a thriving Jewish community. I taught cheder classes at Wanstead and Woodford United Synagogue, joined the Bnei Akiva youth movement and was a proud member of the Jewish Lads’ & Girls’ Brigade (JLGB). This grounding gave me the confidence to stand tall as a Jew.

As a law student in Liverpool, I lived in Hillel House and in my mid 20s and 30s focused on my career, establishing myself as a leading employment lawyer and partner in a law firm. My work and skills are based upon standing up against inequality and discrimination. Throughout my career I have acted for charities, organisations, vulnerable individuals and other faith groups.

As a young mother I fought against cancer and am involved in a support group at West London Synagogue. I have belonged to Mill Hill United Synagogue for 4 years and serve on the management board of West London Synagogue where my family are active members of the community. One of my daughters attends Immanuel College and has followed in my footsteps as a keen member of the JLGB.

In a changing world, the next few years will be vital for our community.I look at my two daughters and know that we must secure the future for the next generation.

Marie van der Zyl

My strong Jewish identity stems from growing up in Redbridge, where I taught at Wanstead and Woodford United Synagogue Cheder, joined Bnei Akiva and was a proud member of the JLGB. I have been a member of Mill Hill United Synagogue for 4 years and serve on the management board of West London Synagogue where my family are active members of the community.

The British Jewry Book of Honour notes that 80 out of 90 Jewish Lads’ Brigade Officers joined up in 1914 to fight in the #FirstWorldWar, tragically 38 of them never returned. This represents 80% of casualties amongst Jewish serving Officers. #WeWillRememberThem #ArmisticeDay100

During the First World War, 535 Jewish Lads’ Brigade members and leaders made the ultimate sacrifice and appear on our JLGB Roll of Honour. This figure accounts for almost one-third of all British Jews who died for their country during the conflict. #WeWillRemember #Armistice100